With all of us spending so much more time indoors it is easy to see how bringing the outdoors in could benefit us in more ways than one. Aside from the lovely aesthetic appeal that lush indoor foliage adds to your space, indoor plants provide numerous benefits to both our state of mind and health. While that may sound like a lot of pressure for that Monstera, it is documented that indoor plants purify and freshen indoor air and are able to boost our mood. Surrounding ourselves with a part of nature can help with relaxation, boost creativity, and most of all become a rewarding hobby as we spend more time at home.

As a plant lover myself and having dedicated a great deal of time this last year tending to my plants. I have tried them all and I can attest that not all plants dubbed “easy” to care for are easy at all. I happen to live in a house that does not get a great deal of natural light and have a toddler who made it her mission to un pot and over water every plant I own, so in turn I began “ignoring” them so she might as well.

With all that experience I have decided to share a list of the Top 5 Easiest to Care for Houseplants that have been able to survive even the harshest toddler conditions presented in my house.

Philodendrons

The Philodendron is a genus of many different species of plants many of which have become popular indoor specimens. There are two types of philodendrons; vining and non vining or upright. Each type is wonderfully versatile and easy to care for. Philodendrons grow well in bright to medium indirect light but will tolerate low light conditions. Philodendrons are also easy to water, they can be placed on a weekly watering schedule, but do not fret if you miss a watering, the plant will begin to wilt and will recover well once given a drink. But don’t ever be too attentive to a philodendron because they will get root rot if over watered. A good rule of thumb is to insert a finger into the top 2 inches of soil and if dry give it a drink. Being that there are so many varieties to choose from I have listed a few of my personal favorites.

Personal Easy to Care For Favorites: Lemon Lime, Brasil, and the modest Heartleaf.

Light: Low to Medium Indirect Light

Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil is dry

Pothos

Often referred to interchangeably with the philodendron, though the Pothos is its own variety of plants. A vining species, Pothos love to trail and vine. Similar to the Philodendron the Pothos enjoy high to medium indirect light but will tolerate low light conditions. The Pothos plant is also quite easy to keep watered, you can water weekly but again do not worry if you miss a watering the plant will wilt slightly and recover well once watered. Again use the same rule of thumb for watering, insert finger into top 2 inches of soil and if it is dry give your plant a drink.

Personal Easy to Care For Favorites: Neon, Majula, Marble Queen, Silver/Satin

Light: Low to Medium Indirect Light, Will tolerate Low Light

Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil is dry

Monstera

The Monstera is again a genus of plant species which has many varieties that fall under the name. The infinitely popular Monstera Deliciosa is probably what comes to mind first but there are so many lovely varieties to choose from. A wonderful feature are the fenestrations or holes in the leaves. With a tendency to climb the Monsteras depending on type can be upright or climbers, however once they grow large will need some staking. Monsteras need bright to medium indirect light. They are also easy to keep watered, a weekly watering schedule will again suffice. To be sure you can place fingers into the top 1-2 inches of soil and if dry give the plant a drink.

Personal Easy to Care For Favorites: Monstera Deliciosa, and Monstera Adansonii

Light: Medium to High Indirect Light

Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil is dry

Snake Plant

The Snake plant species is by far one of the easiest to care for houseplants. The Snake plant grows well in medium to low indirect light and requires infrequent watering. In fact it is best to let the snake plant dry out before watering which makes it ideal for someone who may neglect their plants. The best part about the snake plant is how well they will do in low light conditions that other plants will not tolerate. Snake plants are a perfect plant to start with for a beginner.

Personal Easy to Care For Favorites:

Light: Low to Medium Indirect Light, will do well in low light

Water: let plant dry out, do not like too much water

Algaonema or Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen as it is commonly called is a genus of a wide varieties of species. The Chinese Evergreens do well in medium to low indirect light. As for watering the Chinese Evergreen like the other plants mentioned will do well on a weekly watering schedule, its best to let them dry out a bit so they do not develop root rot. If the plant begins to wilt a bit give it a drink and it will recover well. In the right conditions you may even be lucky to get beautiful blooms.

Personal Easy to Care For Favorites: Aglaonema Cecilia and Aglaonema Emerald Beauty

Light: Low to Medium Indirect Light, will do well in low light

Water: Water when top 1-2 inches is dry

Tips and Tricks for Purchasing New Plants

-When purchasing plants online, be sure to be aware of weather conditions the plant may encounter on its journey to your home, will it be incredibly hot or cold? Speaking from personal experience it is super sad to open your box of plants only to find them frozen and wilted.

-When purchasing plants from a local shop be sure to check the plants out for any signs of bugs. Make sure leaves look fresh and free of damage.

-Whenever you bring home a new plant to add to your collection make sure to “quarantine” the plant for a week or so to make sure no little friends caught a ride home on your new plant. This is a good idea to avoid introducing pests to your other established plants.

-Prepare yourself for the plant adjusting to it’s new home, they often need a bit of time to acclimate to the new environment. So be patient if they look a bit sad for a minute.

Tips and Tricks For Growth and Care

-When you see yellow leaves chances are you are overwatering.

-When you see burnt looking tips or edges, chances are your plant is getting too much direct light.

-When you have a variegated (multi colored) variety of a Pothos or Philodendron it will prefer brighter lighting conditions. Variegated plants may revert to being solid colored if not provided with enough light.

-When you notice an accumulation of dust on the leaves of your plants, wipe them down with a damp cloth. This will ensure that the plant is able to photosynthesize effectively.

-Sometimes you have to experiment with where your plants will thrive in your home. If you just can’t get a plant to do well, try a new location.

Having an indoor garden is a wonderfully relaxing hobby. I can attest to finding a great deal of comfort taking care of my plants while isolated and trapped in my house. But I do warn you that it may become addicting and soon enough you may have new plants showing up on your doorstep every few days.